Sense and Musicality

Accompanied on an historic Broadwood Square Piano (1814) similar to Austen’s own, and sung by early music specialist Penelope Appleyard, audiences are transported to an early 19th-century drawing room for an intimate recital that explores the ‘head vs heart’ love story of Jane Austen and music.

To celebrate her 250th Anniversary, Penelope and Jonathan Delbridge investigate the role of music in Jane's life and writing, feature some of the lesser-known musical habits of the Georgian lady (!) and present a groundbreaking commission from composer Donna McKevitt – a new musical setting of Austen's poem 'Ode to Pity'.

Music will include some of Jane’s favourite pieces, songs from the family collection that she played and sang, music by the only composer named in her novels, fashionable music she heard in concert, and music from TV/film adaptations. Delivered imaginatively in period dress with narration, extracts from her works and letters, an introduction to the square piano and a few laughs along the way, this thoroughly researched programme has something for fans of both music and literature.